John Kester promises strong approach against Nigeria

Head coach of the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, John Kester says his team will adopt a strong approach to Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Nigeria, www.aclsports.com reports.

Kester, the mastermind of Sierra Leone’s first appearance at the AFCON in over two decades was in charge when the less fancied country held Nigeria to draws en route to qualifying for the 2021 tournament.

The former Sierra Leone international however admits it will be a difficult game but he is hopeful his side will get a result.

“I think it is going to be very difficult, we know that. Coming away to Nigeria on the back of their results lately but we are going to worry about what we do as Sierra Leone and how we approach tomorrow and hopefully we get something from the match,” Kester told journalists on Thursday evening.

He added: “We are very strong around our approach tomorrow, we are going to be coming with a very strong mentality. It’s a different game from the 2020 own but we are looking forward to it.

Kester has made changes to the team that went to Cameroon for Africa’s football showpiece in January, saying that it is expedient that his country build for a solid future.

“At Sierra Leone, we’re still developing. I’ve been in the job for around two years now and what I said when I took over was that we are trying to transit our national team with the inclusion of Steven (Caulker) and the other guys we are introducing to the team.

“I think it is very important that we start building a team for the future and slowly slowly we are making progress and we’re happy with the progress we’re making. Tomorrow again is part of our development and we’re so looking forward to it,” summed Kester.

Sierra Leone go into Thursday’s game having won their last two friendly matches (against Liberia and Congo), a direct opposite of Nigeria who lost their first two games under new head coach Jose Peseiro.

Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe as well as Guinea Bissau are in Group A of qualifying for next year’s AFCON to be hosted by Coted’voire.